The Pacific Ocean is fast becoming a trading route for transnational criminals and illegal border crossers, hence the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Immigration and Border Security John Rosso said, PNG Government is focused on strengthening the border security in the Pacific region.
During the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (PNG ICSA) and the Solomon Islands Immigration Division (SIID) meeting in Port Moresby last week, Minister Rosso stated that both agencies discussed capacity building options, and mapped out the foundations to collaboratively explore, identify, and select, a Border Management System (BMS) for Solomon Islands.
A Border Management System allows a government to collect, process, store and analyze information of persons entering and departing the country.
“The PNG Government through ICSA provided technical support and IT technologies to SIID during the Pacific Games last year, and will continue to support these initiatives to improve border security in the region,” Minister Rosso said.
“ICSA will help SIID procure a reliable and effective Border Management System for them. Because we share a common maritime border, a safer Solomon Islands means a safer Papua New Guinea.”
“PNG stands ready to support all Pacific Island States in any matters that are important to them and where they require our assistance.”
The Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu, explained that the proposal to procure a BMS for SIID will be funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs.
“Due to an existing Memorandum of Understanding between ICSA and SIID, and ICSA’s technical experience, the Department of Home Affairs has offered the leadership role to PNG to assist Solomon Islands procure their first BMS.”
“ICSA views this joint bilateral relationship as crucial for both countries in managing cross-border movements, generating economic growth, and improving border security in the region,” Mr. Navasivu said.
Solomon Islands Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hunter Masuguria, thanked ICSA and the Australian Department of Home Affairs for assisting them with the technical expertise to introduce BMS for the Solomon Islands Immigration Division.
